The conference took place at Aurora University-George Williams College on the shores of Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. After a snowy drive from Chicago, the program began at 9:00am on Saturday morning with a beautiful Opening Message “For God so Loved the World” (Jn 3:16) by S. Rutilo Mendoza. We learned about God’s love for each person expressed by sacrificing his one and only son. Next were Group Bible Studies on Mark 16. Then S. Mark Mederich gave the motivating message “Jesus Appeared to the Eleven”. Risen Jesus rebuked his disciples so that they could stop doubting and believe.
A delicious lunch was enjoyed by all followed by testimony writing. Attendants shared graceful testimonies full of resurrection faith and hope. Before dinner many took a scheduled walk along the lake while others prepared drama and singspiration. Some wanted to “walk on water” but the lake was only semi-frozen.
The evening program was a Resurrection Festival including three messages based on 1 Corinthians 15. Part I “The Gospel of the Resurrection” was given powerfully by S. Tim McEathron, teaching us that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day. In Part II “The Power of the Resurrection”, S. Rommel Guirnalda encouraged us with a message of hope in the resurrection of the dead and new beginning. Part III “The Glory of the Resurrection” was given prayerfully by S. Charles Womack, showing us the glory of the resurrection body and victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. To complete the Festival was a drama “He Has Risen!” directed by S. Sara Miller in which a Sanhedrin financed News channel tries to cover up reports of Jesus’ Resurrection. Many adults and children acted including M. Isaac Choi as Nicodemus and S. Mike Roth as “The Man”. The evening ended with nutritious snacks and fellowship. “The Ten Commandments” movie was noted to be on two T.V. stations.
All slept well by the peaceful, shimmering lake. At 7:00am Sunday morning, attendants gathered for an Outdoor Sunday Devotion moved indoors due to ice and snow. The message “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:17-28) was delivered joyfully by S. Val Gava. We learned that by believing in Jesus we will have eternal life after death. After a big breakfast, the Sunday Message was delivered triumphantly by S. Dennis Miller: “A New Birth into a Living Hope” (1 Peter 1:3-4). We experienced God’s great mercy in granting us living hope in our heavenly inheritance through Jesus’ resurrection. Then with determination S. Joseph Horvath declared the Closing Message “Therefore Go” (Mt 28:16-20). We were inspired to go fishing on campuses to make disciples knowing that Jesus is with us always. During the morning program the Chorus provided uplifting Resurrection melodies. The program concluded with a special rendition of a song sung by all: “Let’s meet at Purdue Int’l Conference!”
Throughout the conference, M. John Jun helped messengers prepare. M. Elijah Park and M. Daniel Sohn coordinated the program with the help of countless others behind the scenes. And S. Jack Magardician rose to a new role giving enthusiastic and clear prayer topics and announcements after each message. In sum, we all learned newly that our Living Hope in the Kingdom of God is mankind’s only hope and comes through resurrection faith.
